GC

The tiny GameCube isn't often the first system on the staff's minds. With such a small assortment of RPGs to choose from, you have Link, Link, a few ports, or Link. Of course, that doesn't mean we get to skip it this year. After what can be seen as a timid year in the RPG category, the 'Cube comes back this year ready to take on the entire console platform arena. Although these are slim pickings, they're still pickings that managed to not only satisfy, entertain, and please the staff members but even managed to make us look forward to just what the little box you can also turn into a right-sized coaster has to offer. If this year is any indication of what we can expect from the Nintendo GameCube then the RPGamer staff says it's a good thing.

1st

Topping the list of the best GameCube RPG is the very same game the readers gave the top nod to, solidifying the concept that the staff and readers really can agree on a top game! The fun cartoony-style graphics and gameplay in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker came as quite a shock to many who were anticipating a realistic Zelda in the vein of the previous two N64 titles this year for the GameCube, but after seeing the action, staff snatched up this title and loved it enough to give it an entheusiastic gold award. Aside from the unique style of graphics, Wind Waker features major improvements in the battles of the series which is known for a simplistic turn and click interface. To put the cherry on the GameCube-iced cake, you can even beat the crap out of enemies and have them drop items, that can be traded to various NPCs for some very spiffy awards - and who doesn't like a little violence with swords and shields? The staff does, that's for sure.

2nd

Striking the silver medal at number two is another game RPGamer readers and staff members seemed amply able to agree on, and with such a long-standing history it's to neither's amazement why the RPGamer staff loved this game. Skies of Arcadia Legends has been considered one of the best RPGs released for just about many systems and even won first place once upon a time. As a port of the original DreamCast Skies, Legends was given the luxury of coming to newer and powerful console and RPGamer staff members seem to like that idea a lot. Those of us that missed out on it the first time got to actually grab a copy and enjoy playing for the first time on the GameCube and the ability to play the title on the spiffed-up GameCube was certainly something to feel good about, even if some had played it before. Despite four years having passed, the first-rate gameplay, presentation, and charm of this game still manages to hold up even against the onslaught of retro-Zelda

3rd

Rounding out the GameCube's best RPGs for the past year is none other than the indomitable elf-like hero that's been around since the days Mario was just jumping around in hopes of a one-up mushroom or three. Of course, we speak of none other than Link and the compilation game The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition, a surprise bundle pack that snuck out at the end of the year. Combining the classic Zelda 1 and 2 games with the more modern Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask seemed to grab the staff's attention, and make them giddy to own a GameCube. However, if that wasn't enough to make you buy your GameCube when the special edition was released, it even came with a demo of the latest Zelda game Wind Waker. A game that combines flawlessly good old retro gaming and enjoyeable modern titles -- that is something that the RPGamer staff drool over.